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Edited BY William R. Rhinehart,
For the Church of the “United Brethren in Christ.”
PUBLISHED BY ORDER OF THE TRUSTEES, At the Conference Office, Circleville, Ohio.
Vol. IV NO. 16
CIRCLEVILLE (OHIO,) WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 8, 1838.
WHOLE NO. 94
T.H2 aELZGIOVS TELESCOPE.
tVii.i. W nUMiahed semi tnmitb’y, on alnrse Imperial ifo'ii fair type. ,Ue nuxlemre t.riccof C-1,50. in ;i/v;ijver ex "hisive of postr x'2.Oil within the year. \U sn'-'grr.int-jo; sho ’■« ftotTiinij-«l from year to yea-r u i'pss notice rtfiiis ojitinuatrcel.e jive tothe Editorand n'i. arrearages j»aidy ’ .
- LTSTOPACENTS.
.TiFe ftine-aril Ministers belon-fing to:the Church ofthe “United Brethren in Christ,” generally, are authorized adapts for this paper; by order of the Trustees.—Also, the following named persons;—
E. Perkins; jf'ffiertZ John Nee®: C.’<ro«,.
Michae'Core: P*; alelp[tia.
'AdihiyReaCer; ffatpOpn, . ’ Ja’s. tiaihletiCS;; .Veicijalii- \more. TLun.'fdo , .
FfCd jt:if>w"r; Pg’ rrington Afftttn Kroner; ZJr'Adpbtis.'
Daniel ft:, vis; R^eriite, Conrod- &[Qed-; JF/ajAesfer, j. Bowles: hptiser Sandusky. John -Davis;-'Biicnrits, ? John Millet? Rushnillep Jtanie! Lidey; .S'l.-wiers’et -. Jacob fijiert; beaperioa,- Fred'k. llarinon; hdncfLster, A. Coriltto;. Londondary, - Ja’s. Edwards; Harrisburg,
H. K a in le r, J r.— Lewdsb u ry
I. R. McYa.%;./lib bards,bill
OHIO
Genree Gr.-m!; Royalton,
1 Andrew Foster; Tkomsfill.
■ Martin Ores':.<• h:• Halls-‘Me:, i lid, Timmons: C^<r’.<ft«rgp.'r' Me 11 r v X u m! e*r, S.r'.; Trcn t o n",
j
■.Joseph,rfn Titian; Tlaytoit,
! J oh n Core: Saiub ridge,
Geo.Hiskey, Lexington,
John Kiser; Urbipaa,
Joseph Myer; Crnciti natit JPtMlip K'raip r; Findley, Kmart: Arnold: Perrysburg-, .John Killer; Tiffin.
Jaroh •Garlier; .Melmore, Henry Amt; Gal.ian,
Jacoh Ffehjpieh; .Marion, Philip Stout; Cordinton,
E. Hoffner; -jfrunf Hea.ltky;
G eqt Newnia n; AfansJ!eld.
John Rider; HantiUgaCn, Geo: Trouc; j$bippens,bitri&, Valcj 1 t-i i te II isley y;'. w o Me,
Be :ija in ih .S)pe - k; ' jR<« rl> yptir,* John Slut I>p;; Harrisburg; ’
S o. o. ,Colliu,a 11; .Vt He r s to ir a,
PENNSYLVANIA.
G., FfthcrhoT; Fayetteville, Bone. Greencastle,
fl. VVormnn; JR. Pleasant, VViiijain B. Smith: .Madison, M. CL Milter; TAree Springs.
J.& •!• Hei-shry; /tigers t o.-ca, Sam':. .'Reaper: Boonsboro, S. Crohise; Fredericktown, .■ J. D'oup, EstijJ ■fPtdiiersvilte,
MARYLAND.
J Jf- A. Firik hoy scr, .Moant. .hick'sun, ■
J.LGloshreniier; Staunton,
VIRGINIA
M. RernsTicrz; JMiddletown,
K. Rohrer; Rokrerspi/le; Henry,Burtrier; Leitersburg, J. Weller; JMcc ban icks town.
•J; Rohrer; 5. lwtoz, St.Xosp, VJohji-TJooli.ler ; Perrys ri He; S. B. Mast'd I>idependence,
■ J. II. Afuieutrout; Putnam
'. "d ytiff ‘ '
INDIANA
intfmny Funkhouser; JCew- town
Fred'k.Hrscy, Woodstock,
fjnnhet Fryar; Abington.
0. Crottsi;: Indianapolis,'
, William Brown; Lafayette, (John Morgan,.inderiow os We
STANDING rules for agents AN D CORRESPON DENTS.
1. —-Letters must be post-paid. except they con -
r tain' $5 00, or subscribers equivolent to that a- ’; m>unfl. . / . - V; ' •
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4. — ta remitting payment, the sub-agents are to pay tJ»,e money co'lrrfed by them to the district agent, whose duty it.will b - to forkard the same jtt {he safest.and tr».o«f expeditious manner.
5. —.Endeavor on all occasions to write as legi­bly as possible, especially in giving names, Xc.
By attending to the abov e. mistakes will be pre­vented. much trouble avoided.for the Editor.
6 —The Presitling Ehlers of‘he.different Con­ferences,, both East and’West, have been’ appoin­ted by the Trustees, to serve as district agents,
' for the present year. Sugh as are unwilling to serve, a.re requested to forward the name of some suitable person, to act in that capacity. We hope however, that none vv 11 refuse.
7..—Those of our patrons who receive .flip Re- l:g:. ’’S,T«1 -rope' by mail, and are desirous to h.-tv- if dr<eor,ii:iuerl at the close of the year, need •nor he at tin- expense of notifying the Editor by l-M'-r. Tbev h ive only to give' notice to the Po-t- ;naster,at whose office the paper is received, wl use duty" it is made by law to inform the pub- Jishei. • . -
SELF EXAMINATION’.
T'd rjtrtv oi" <>w < x.'iiniiiii'ion, like that of prav-'r, is Both slated and oc- v^ioual. The con'ci 'iPiotH Christian sMouH not suiThr a single day to pass, without an investign.tmh of his moral character. At the close.qf the day, and when about: to commit the keep- , ind of'bis ' soul to Him "Who.* never slumber •fth r.O'r sleCpcth,"' he should take a . di-Tiber tty qtid serious retros­pect of the pask His conduct and the motives jvhich prompted it, should pass under investigation.
I cannot,, my young friend. ' too strongly recomrncnd to you this prac­tice. T*1C most eminent saints have been distinguished for it; and 1 must press upon you a.similar course if you would aim at an elevated standard of piety.
There i$ less difficulty attending this diurnal investigation; thar} many pro- ;lessors i ma gi n e.. Were. Top g intervals to occur between the periods of self- e^annnation, wq» should, indeed ex­perience, much inconvenience and per­plexity in performing the duty. We should then resemble the unskilful and lieedlessymerchant, who yielding to 'habitual* negligence and hurry, defers posting Iris books.until he is overwhelm­ed with their intricacy and magni­tude. But let the duty be daily and thoroughly performed, and wre rise to the standard of the skilful and prudent merchant who duly records every item of business; who. never closes his counting house, until his balance-sheet is made up; and who by a single re­ference, can tell the true state of his accounts, and form a correct estimate of his commercial standing.
You will find yoursetf aided in this work,, by a secret journal or diary, which must be excluded from the in­spection of all, but God and vourself.
If you are in the habit of thus dai­ly inquiring into your motives and con­duct, you will find it an excellent pre­paration
lor approaching a throne of grace. You will perceive so many failures in duty, and such frequent commission of sin, that your soul must necessarily be humbled before God.— You will also perceive whether you make any advances in knowledge and holiness, and thus discover a source of cn con rage mopt, or a stimulus to great­er diligence. Your conscience will be rendered tender and faithful; and you will thus be on the alert, that you be not fempted, or drawn aside from, your-duty. You will walk softly anriJ | ’the'thorny path, nor fed the bleeding; wounds w hich are inflicted on so I many careless and worldly minted pro­fessors.
Besides this daily process which 1 am recommending, there is one special season of self-examination, which you should by no means omit. The Apos­tle enjoins on every Christian, to ex­amine himself before he partakes ol the Lord's Supper. Let a man exam­ine himself, and so let him eat of thal bread, and drink of that clip.'5 “1 his is indispensable, to a profitable atten­dance on this interesting and signifi­cant ordinance. If you are in the habit of daily self-examination, you will find the observance of this special season, by no means difficult or labori­ous. You will have acquired, by your daily introspection,so much self-know­ledge, such a tact, if I may be allowed the expression, at seizing upon evi­dence, and analyzing feelings and mo­tives, that, instead, of proving an un­welcome task, it will constitute a satisfactory, comforting, and delightful duty. • j
The rea«on why so many complain of the difficulty of a proper discharge of this duty', is obvious. I shall, in a subsequent letter, disclose it more ful­ly.
Be assured; my young friend, that if ever you arrive at an elevated stand- art of piely, you w ill attribute it, as much to strict and persevering self-ex­amination, as to any otfn r nvans, which it i<, under God, your privilege fouse. It,is through a neglect ot this that Christianity makes, in most of us, -ueh a dwarlLh appearance. It i> ior the want of this, that In porrby vaunts itself in the habiliments of piety. It is for the want of this That doubt-, and fears, and disquietude, and baek- -hding-, are-o prevalent. I entreat you therefore, as ) ou valu your peace and your improvement, to persevere in the faithful discharge of (iris duty. A on will he abundantly rew anh il. Faith w ill walk arm in arm w’ith the prom­ises; hope, instead oi a flickering light, will become a steady radiation from an unclouded sun; love wall grow to a flame, that •‘■many waters cannot quench;’ and z al, founded in truth, and directed by knowledge, w ill h.old on, until death, its vigorous and untir­ing career.
1 say not, that you will at once ar­rive at this loftly elevation. Ah, no, you may have many a rugged way to traverse, many a.difficult hili to climb. Nights of weeping, and days of dark­ness and of tempest may intervene.— But God will interpose in your behalf; he w ill “temper the wind to the shorn I lamb.”
Recollect, for yo-ur encouragement, j that the farther you proe« ed,the easier and the more delightful w ill he the passage. As it approximates heaven.
1 it partakes of celestial beauty., Like the fine, free -avenue to a noble met­ropolis, the proximity- of this road to the heavenly Jerusalem, opens wider, and shows clearer, and almost admits the eager eye to catch the spires of glory, as they glitter in the ligJit of heaven. Take up your ero^s, dear youth, and march forward. While you may encounter difficulties,you may al­so partake of many pleasures; pleas­ures which are as much superior to the sickly joys of earth, as the river of life is purer, than the green waters of an offensive and stagnant pool.
“The hill of Zion yields
A thousand sacred sweets;
Before we reach the heavenly fields,
Or walk the golden streets.”
To me, it has ever appeared strange, that when so much depends on the du­ty of self-examination, it should be so generally neglected.
We do not -thus act in our temporal affairs. If the claim to an estate be attended with any degree of doubt or errfbarrassment, we spare no pains to give it a thorough investigation. If the body be disordered, we are alive to every symptom, and we watch every new aspect of the disease. But in respect to the soul, we are at little pains to substantiate its hope, by actual examination. We live along, as if the matter were settled; as if we had a guarantee for our heavenly inheritance; when, in fact all is doubt and embarrassment; when, perhaps we may have only “a name to live, whilst we arc dead.”
Let this duty, my young friend, be viewed by you altogether indispen­sable. Set about it with diligence.— Should your enemy, knowing its use­fulness and importance, attempt to dis­courage you, listen not to the Voice of the tempter. Renew your labor; call upon God to fix your thoughts, and to give you success. Persevere even un­to death, in a duty so necessary to your safety, and essential to vour com­fort.— Advice to a Young Christian.
From the Christian Observer.
ANGRY PREACHING.
The late Mr. New ton, in a “Letter to a young minister,” remarks—“There is another strain of preaching which, though it wears the garb of zeal, is sel­dom a proof of any power but the pow­er of self. I mean angry and scolding preaching. The gospel is a benevo­lent scheme, and who ever speaks in the power ofit will assuredly speak in love. In the most faithful rebukes of sin, in the most solemn declarations of Godfs displeasure against it, a preach­er iriav give evidence of a disposition of good w ill and compassion to sinners, and assuredly w ill if lie speaks under the influence of the power of tmi.h.— If we can indulge invective and bitter­ness in the pulpit, we know not of what spirit we arc of; we are but gratifv ing our own evil tempers, under the pretense of a concern for the cause of God and truth. Persons of this cfiaracter may applaud their own faith­fulness and courage, and think it a great attainment that they can so ea-ily and constantly set their congre­gations at defiance; but they must not expect to b • us:fu\ so long as it remains a truth that the wrath of man vvorkeih not the rightf’ousness of God!
In the “Remains of the Rev. R.
(-ecil,” the sentiments of that eminent servant of Christ are clearly expressed on this point. “ The zeal of some inen is of a haughty, unbending, ferocious character.) They have the letter of truth, hut they mount the pulpit like prize-fighti rs. It is with them a per- lytual scold. This spirit is a reproach to theJKisped. It is not the spirit o. Jc-nn (jurist. He seems /'/ Aar-' labored to iciti men. But there is an opposite cxtri me. The love of some men i- milk and nriMncs-! There L so much delicacy, and so much fa<tidiou?ncss! They touch with inueh tenderness! and if fhe path nt shrinks, they will touch no more! The times are too flagrant for Mich a disposition. Tin go<p» l is sometimes preached in this wav til, all the people agree with the preacher. He gives no offence and h< doe< do good.
“But St. Paul, united and blended love an<l zeal. He must 7cz« souls; hut 1“^ w ill labor to do this hv all possihl- law ful contrivances. 1 am made ai> things to all nan, that 1 mi'ght by ai means save some. Zeal alone, rna\ degenerate into ferociousness and del icaey; hut the apostle, combined both qualities; and more perfectly than oth er men, realized the union of the fur- liter in re with the suavl.r in modo.f
In another part of the work Mr. 'Cecil observes; “It is a foolish projeef to avoid giving offence; but it is our duty to avoid giving unnecessary of fence. It is necessary otTcnce if it is given by the truth; but it is unneces­sary if our own spirit occasion ir.”— ••Our system of preaching must meet mankind; they must find it possible to live in the bustle of the word, and ye| serve God—after being worried and harrassed with its concerns, let them hear cheering truths concerning Christ's love and care and pity, which will operate like an enchantment in dispelling the cares of life and calming the anxious perturbations of consci ence. Bring forward privileges and enforce duties in their proper places and proportions. Let there be no ex tremes; yet I have arrived at this con­viction; Men who lean toward the ex­treme of evangelical privilege in their ministry, do much more to the con­version of their hearers, than they do who lean toward the extreme of re­quirement. And my own experience confirms my observation. I feel my­self repelled if any thing chills, loads or urges me. This is my nature, and I sec it to be very much the nature of other men. But let me hear. Re­turn again to me saith the Lord—I am melted and subdued.
Such are the sentiments of two di­vines, to w hich I shall subjoin the tes­timony of a layman—the poet Cow­per. uNo man,” says he “was ever scolded out of his sins. The heart, corrupt as it is, and because it is so, grow s angry if it be not treated with some management and good manners, and scolds agais. A surly mastiff*will bear, perhaps to be stroked, though he will grow, even under that opera­tion; but if you touch him roughly he will bite. There is no grace that the
spirit of self can counterfeit with more success than religious zeal. A man thinks he is fighting for Christ, when he is fighting for his own notions. He thinks that he is skillfully searching the hearts of others, when he is only gratifying the malignity of his own; and charitably supposes his hearers destituteof all grace,that he may shine the more in his own eyes by compar­ison. When he has performed this noble task, he wonders that they are pot converted; “hc'hvs given it to them soundly; and if they do not trem­ble and confess that God is in him of a truth he gives them up as a repro­bate, incorrigible and lost for ever.” But a man th.it loves me, if he sees me in an error will pity me and en­deavor calmly to convince me ofit and persuade me to forsake it. If he has great and good news to tell me,he will not do it angrily, and in much heat and discomposure of spirit. It is not therefore easy to conceive on w hat ground a minister can justify aconduct which only proves t’iat he does not un­derstand his errand. The absurdity ofit would certainly strike him, if he was not himselfdeluded.”
These extracts I submit to the most serious consideration of all whom they may concern; and I trust that witli some they may have their due weight and influence in producing a concilia­tory strain of preaching, accompanied hv a conciliatory manner; a mildness and forbearance en.irely consistent with the strictest fiddity. A picture of what a clergyman ought to he, in addressing his congregation is in­cidentally drawn by the poet just quo­ted, in the person of one “for years deserving honor, but fin wisdom more.*’ “Viili a smile,
Gentle and and t'uS of zra~e.
As fearful of offending wlitm he wished
Much to persuade,lie [died lis car with trulhs,
Not harshly thundered forth nor rudely pressed. -
But, like his purpose, gracious kind and swccl.?
Task, p. vi
I add no other comment than an ear­nest exhortation to ( very minister of file gospel oip.acc—“Go, and do thou likewise.”
the comb is broken and partially re­moved from a well-stored hive, with what increased ardor do the bees ply themselves to the task of reconstruct­ing tlieir cells and storing them afresh with delicious nectar. Not a solitary tenant of these insect habitations re­mains an idle spectator of the scene before him and even they whose apart­ments have not been disturbed, lend their aid with the same alacrity,, as though they were employed on works from which they alone were to reap the advantage. . .
NN ed any thing be added to exhibit the jr/oral which this lesson from nature ! is fitted to teach? May not the des­ponding be instructed from the insect tribes, to forget their despair, and be­gin afresh to Jay a foundation for future use ? to lay it better than before—with better materials, and less subject to the casualties of flood or flame? It can­not be done at once, but “time con­quers all things,” and with diligence, and assiduity, and perseverance, won­ders, that we do not anticipate, may yet be achieved.—Chr. Obs.
GREAT RESULTS HAN ON LIT­TLE THINGS.
Two men were at work together one day in a ship-yard. J'iiey were hewing a stick of timber to j ut into a ffiip. >It was a small stick, and not worth much. As they cut off the chips, they found a worm, a little worm, a- boul halt an inch long.
“This stick is wormy,” said’ .one, “shall w e put it in ?”
“I do not know; yes, I drink it may go in. It will not he seen, of course.”
“Yes. hut there mav he other worm? in it. and these may increase and in­jure the ship.”
“No. I think not. To be sure it is not worth much; yet I do not wish to lose it. But come, never mind the worm, we have seen but one, put it i n.”
The stick was accordingly put in.— The ship was finished, and as she was launched off into the waiter, all ready for the seas, she looked beautiful as die swan w hen the breeze rutiles his white-feathered bosom as he sits on the waters. She went to *ea, and for a number of years did well. But it was found, on a distant voyage, that she grew weak and rotten. Her timbers were found al! eaten away by the worms. But the captain thought he would try to get her home. He had a great, costly load of goods in the ship, <uch as silk, crapes, and the like, and a great many people. On their way home, a storm gathered; the ship for a while climbed up the high waves, and then plunged down, creking and rolling finely. But she then sprang a leak. They had two pumps, and the men worked at them day and night; hut the water came in faster than they could pump it out. She filled with water, and she went down under the dark blue waters of the ocean, with all the goods and al, the people on board. Every one perished. Oh, how many wives and mothers and children mour­ned over husbands, and sons and fath­ers, for whose return they were wait­ing, and who never returned! And all, all this, probably, because that lit­tle stick of timber, with the worm in it, was put in, when the ship was built! How much property, and how many lives may he destroyed by a little worm! And how much evil may a man do, when he does a small wrong, as that man did who put the wormy timber in the ship!-—Southern. Church­man.
DIFFICULTIES OF A FAITHFUL PREACH­ER.
It is not by any means invariably the pastor's fault that his services arc not valued, his exhortations attended to, and his advice received. He is often called upon to sow the seed in an ungen al soil, and to combat the passions and prejudices of the human heart. It is his Jot to be exposed/fo the annoying interference of busy- bodies, ready to give advice, and of­fended if it be not followed; to the scandal of tattlers, always eager to spread abroad statenlrnts to his disad­vantage; to the rancorous opposition of the enemies of truth, who rejoice to find out. and too often to invent, some plausible tale to throw discredit on his character, and to weaken his ministry. The faithful preacher of the doctrines of the cross will have many trjajs euliarlv his own. He will have to en­deavor to root out erroneous opinions: to combat long cherished notions; to hr- ak in upon the spiritual slumber of those that arc at ease" in Z:on; to un­dermine the standy foundation of the self-righteous; to tel! the fancied whole they m ed a physician; to warn the sensualist and the profligate that they ■shall not inherit the kingdom of God. From this, no pleasing (ask, he must not shrink, if he would be enabled, conscientiously to appeal tp his flock; “1 am free from the blood of all men; for IS have not shunned to declare the whole counsel of God.—7’. Biss- land.
A SIMILITUDE.
Whenever any casualty befalls a mole hill, how speedily the little ants gather in droves around ihe spot,, and with what assiduity do they la^or to repair the damage which their minia­ture pyramid has sustained. Or when
From tlife Philadelphia Observer.
HOW CAN I KEEP ALIVE A SPIRIT OF PIETY?
H ow ofl#>n does the Christian, who is neces­sarily much involved in worldly employment, after he has been engaged in some perplexing pursuit, and returns, it may he, fagged down with harrassing cares, for a little while to some place of retirement ; ask himself this question ; How can I keep alive a spirit of piety? The question is, perhaps, one of the most important which he can ask himself. It is one which should he deeply pondered, and which should he answered by every indi­vidual, and after a decision has been made, he should pursue the path ot duty with an undevi­ating step.
It is much easier, however, to answer the question, than it is to attain the state of living which it contemplates. With re«-ard to this, as with many otlier things, the difficulty dyes not arise so much from our ignorance as from the wicked propensities of our hearts, which arecnntinually warring against the law of our minds, and bringing us into captivity to jhe Jaw of sin, which is in our niemliers, and in asking this question, the answer may well be retutned,
<cYe knew your duty, but ye did it not.”
We do not expect to throw out any ideas which are new, or any which have not occur­red to the inquirer’s mind again and again.— But in answering the question, hope, by bringing together some of the most promi­nent suggestions and presenting them in one view to the .mind, to stir up resolutions to engage in living near to God, so that we may be enabled, amid to all the pressure of worldly care and secular duties, so Io live thal Christ may dwell in ou^heart, and that our souls may possess those joys which nearness to Christ alone can impart.
It is oft he greatest importance in maintain­ing a spirit of piety, that weliveat the throne of grace. Here is the great defect in our living: we are willing to engage actively in the public duties of religion—-we arc ready to converse about the interests of Christ’s kingdom, but alas, alas, we do not bear in mind that prayer—imjtprtunate, continued prayer, is the most powerful weapon which we can employ in the exterminating of the enemies of our own souls, and most destruc­tive instrument which we can bring into op­eration in pulling down the strong holds of sin and satan. If we are deficient here—if we do not live near to the mercy seat—if we do not daily—nay, hourly drink in the spirit andlifeof Christ, from ‘his fountain, our la­bours are yain, we spend our strength for naught.
Indissolubly corfhected, with this, is ha­bitual and daily self examination. It is to be believed that lew individuals pray aright, who do not frequently examine themselves. The apostle refers to this when he exhorts the Corinthians, saying, ^Examine your­selves whether ye be in the faith ; prove yourselves. Know ye not your ownselves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye
be reprobates.” Witli regard to secret pray­er and self-examination, they are so closely connected and so vitally important, that they constitute the very foundation of a holy life —without these, every superstructure will fall. We do not say that it is the duty of every Christian to retire formally, thrice in the day, to supplicate the blessing of Gpd ; with some, this, is utterly impossible. But every one should possess the spirit of “Isra­el’s bard,” when he exclaimed, ‘'morning and evening, and noon, 1 cry anil pray aloud ” Reason points out these periods as suitable to devotion. In the morning before the duties ot life have disturbed the calmness which sqpceeds refreshing sleep. At noon, when w&ean sav emphatically, as we behold ourselves^ !mr~ers$d in business—^“Out of Jtha deptivs bars I cr, 1,1 «mo thee, O Lord.-— Lord, hear my voice ; let thine ear be atten­tive to the voice cf my supplication.” At night, after having passed through the cares of the day, to review our acbons, to implore foregivencss for our follies, am! to commit our spirit to the unsleeping guardianship of Jeho­vah as we fie down to slumber. .
It is essentially important, also, in keep­ing ajive a spirit of piety, to -give a careful and prayerful attention to the j>erusal ot tho word of God. Here, life and immortality are brought to life: here, God reveals him­self as a God of mercy ; here, the plan of sal­vation is clearly exhibited ; here, Christian duty is pointed out; here is Ihc treasury of promises for the saints ; here, the threaten- ings of the law- arejiennunced again&t the un­holy. To be deWiiutc of this habit, is to launch out into an unexplored ocean, without chart or compass; and as well might the mariner traverse the glo’ e, and visit each port at pleasure, after he has heaved his chart .and compass to the billows,-and turned his eye away from the pole star. The Bible if the Christian’s pole star—here, is the diie.t tory to a holy life; here, is traced out the pathway to holiness and heaven ; here, arid here only, has God revealed the gnat trulhs of mail’s duties in this life, and his prospect beyond the grave. Oh! that ail might be enabled to make, tips precious volume jhermin of their counsel, and Ihe guide of all their steps.
These Ihrpe things w hich have been men­tioned, may be regarded as the most impor-‘ tant which the Christian ran attend to in at­taining a hoiy life. If these are attended to, there is little to be feared with regard to oth­er things. These purify the heart, and from the heart proceeds the characterrifour con­versation and actions. Cleanse jjie heart— the fountain—and the which, issue
forth, will be pure and healthful. We did intend to.extend our remarks 1° some tilings nrDL i ho nnnr nf nn(rncrin<r in
^'itn regard to the nianner of engagtnig in worldly employment, and the manner old on- ducting ourselves i ■. om- intercourse with the world; but we have already faxed the rea­der’s patience .ton much, and we forbear, hoj.ing, that if attention is paid to the few ' thoughts already thrown out, they naay be of sesvice Io some who are anxious to live the life of a Christian. Would ihat every reader might be exhorted from lids time, to bearous- <ni to Tenew ed purposes of hfdincs?. Let US a.11 make definite resolutions'witli regard fu this matter ; let-us tune the word <4 God ; let us bow beforfc the mercy ; let us ex­amine wheirein we have failed in duty, and having ascertained, let us return and perform it; let the salvation of our own souls,-and glory of God, and the best interests of immor­tal beings around us, be our great aim in life, and'let
•-/.r we !:a.vr. and-are, cot.ihi;;®
To f^waoi o’jf-rt:-<1;-. -:e.”
This world is not a place of rest for the Christian. It is one vast field of labour, and be who labours most diligently, who contin­ually strives to bring info subjugation jto the Prince of Peace, his own heart', and the hearts of others, though he may find it hard work, will, in. the world to come, lu.ve reason to rejoice with exceeding great joy ; and when the redeemed of the LOR!) shall come to Zion, with songs ofioy and-everlasting praise about their heads, lie will joy also, that he was ever permitted fo fake part in the glori­ous wmrfare which is now carried on against the powers of darkness. Run.
i
AN ERROR OF THE DAY.
What is more common, than fo hear ; cr- sons speaking by wholesale ag.bnst wholeclas- ses, professions, or even the u hole race pf (heir fellow-men. One Christian speaks ip no very measured terms against those of a different communion from himself.- Another persofi censures all Christians with great freedom.— The next man you meet, say«, the rich are all oppressors, the merchants are all specula­tors : and lawyers and physicians, the basest of men. -Another goes still further, and says, there is no faith in treaties, no validity in oaths, and no confidence tu be placed in 'prom­ises; for all nations and men are dishonest.— That this practice, to speaking and writing, has obtained amongjus to some extent, will not be questioned; arid that it is a great moral and social evil, can be as little questioned.— 1st. It is an act of flagrant injustice towards all men of integrity and virtue. 2d. ft isan indirect commendation of the most faithless and criminal courses of conduct, making them equal to the most righteous, i 3d. H destroys all confidence among'men, and the motives to honor and honesty ; and produces only ha­tred and immorality, whe«e it prevails. It is the part of wisdom to discern between the evil and the good, the precious dnd the vile; and to mark that distinctiotf in our speech and conduct; and let all who find themselves in­clined to deal in sweeping denunciations, remember the truth of the sacred maxim— “out of the abundance of the heart, the moutfl speaketh.”—Independent Messenger.
CUNNING,
Cunning has only private, Selfish aims, and stricksat nothing, which may make them suc­ceed. Discretion has jarge and extended views, and like a well formed eye, commands a whole horizon. Cunning is a kind ofshort- sightedness, that discovers the minutest ob­jects which are near at hand, but is not able to discern things at a distance. Discretion,' the more it is discovered, gives a greater au­thority to the persim who possesses it. Cun­ning, when it is once detected, loses its Free, and makes a man incapable of bringing about even those events which he might have done, had he passed only lor’a plain man. Discre­tion is the perfection of reason, and a guide to us in all the duties of life. Cunning is a kind

Edited BY William R. Rhinehart,
For the Church of the “United Brethren in Christ.”
PUBLISHED BY ORDER OF THE TRUSTEES, At the Conference Office, Circleville, Ohio.
Vol. IV NO. 16
CIRCLEVILLE (OHIO,) WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 8, 1838.
WHOLE NO. 94
T.H2 aELZGIOVS TELESCOPE.
tVii.i. W nUMiahed semi tnmitb’y, on alnrse Imperial ifo'ii fair type. ,Ue nuxlemre t.riccof C-1,50. in ;i/v;ijver ex "hisive of postr x'2.Oil within the year. \U sn'-'grr.int-jo; sho ’■« ftotTiinij-«l from year to yea-r u i'pss notice rtfiiis ojitinuatrcel.e jive tothe Editorand n'i. arrearages j»aidy ’ .
- LTSTOPACENTS.
.TiFe ftine-aril Ministers belon-fing to:the Church ofthe “United Brethren in Christ,” generally, are authorized adapts for this paper; by order of the Trustees.—Also, the following named persons;—
E. Perkins; jf'ffiertZ John Nee®: C.’w"r; Pg’ rrington Afftttn Kroner; ZJr'Adpbtis.'
Daniel ft:, vis; R^eriite, Conrod- &[Qed-; JF/ajAesfer, j. Bowles: hptiser Sandusky. John -Davis;-'Biicnrits, ? John Millet? Rushnillep Jtanie! Lidey; .S'l.-wiers’et -. Jacob fijiert; beaperioa,- Fred'k. llarinon; hdncfLster, A. Coriltto;. Londondary, - Ja’s. Edwards; Harrisburg,
H. K a in le r, J r.— Lewdsb u ry
I. R. McYa.%;./lib bards,bill
OHIO
Genree Gr.-m!; Royalton,
1 Andrew Foster; Tkomsfill.
■ Martin Ores':. yptir,* John Slut I>p;; Harrisburg; ’
S o. o. ,Colliu,a 11; .Vt He r s to ir a,
PENNSYLVANIA.
G., FfthcrhoT; Fayetteville, Bone. Greencastle,
fl. VVormnn; JR. Pleasant, VViiijain B. Smith: .Madison, M. CL Milter; TAree Springs.
J.& •!• Hei-shry; /tigers t o.-ca, Sam':. .'Reaper: Boonsboro, S. Crohise; Fredericktown, .■ J. D'oup, EstijJ ■fPtdiiersvilte,
MARYLAND.
J Jf- A. Firik hoy scr, .Moant. .hick'sun, ■
J.LGloshreniier; Staunton,
VIRGINIA
M. RernsTicrz; JMiddletown,
K. Rohrer; Rokrerspi/le; Henry,Burtrier; Leitersburg, J. Weller; JMcc ban icks town.
•J; Rohrer; 5. lwtoz, St.Xosp, VJohji-TJooli.ler ; Perrys ri He; S. B. Mast'd I>idependence,
■ J. II. Afuieutrout; Putnam
'. "d ytiff ‘ '
INDIANA
intfmny Funkhouser; JCew- town
Fred'k.Hrscy, Woodstock,
fjnnhet Fryar; Abington.
0. Crottsi;: Indianapolis,'
, William Brown; Lafayette, (John Morgan,.inderiow os We
STANDING rules for agents AN D CORRESPON DENTS.
1. —-Letters must be post-paid. except they con -
r tain' $5 00, or subscribers equivolent to that a- ’; m>unfl. . / . - V; ' •
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4. — ta remitting payment, the sub-agents are to pay tJ»,e money co'lrrfed by them to the district agent, whose duty it.will b - to forkard the same jtt {he safest.and tr».o«f expeditious manner.
5. —.Endeavor on all occasions to write as legi­bly as possible, especially in giving names, Xc.
By attending to the abov e. mistakes will be pre­vented. much trouble avoided.for the Editor.
6 —The Presitling Ehlers of‘he.different Con­ferences,, both East and’West, have been’ appoin­ted by the Trustees, to serve as district agents,
' for the present year. Sugh as are unwilling to serve, a.re requested to forward the name of some suitable person, to act in that capacity. We hope however, that none vv 11 refuse.
7..—Those of our patrons who receive .flip Re- l:g:. ’’S,T«1 -rope' by mail, and are desirous to h.-tv- if drw < x.'iiniiiii'ion, like that of prav-'r, is Both slated and oc- v^ioual. The con'ci 'iPiotH Christian sMouH not suiThr a single day to pass, without an investign.tmh of his moral character. At the close.qf the day, and when about: to commit the keep- , ind of'bis ' soul to Him "Who.* never slumber •fth r.O'r sleCpcth,"' he should take a . di-Tiber tty qtid serious retros­pect of the pask His conduct and the motives jvhich prompted it, should pass under investigation.
I cannot,, my young friend. ' too strongly recomrncnd to you this prac­tice. T*1C most eminent saints have been distinguished for it; and 1 must press upon you a.similar course if you would aim at an elevated standard of piety.
There i$ less difficulty attending this diurnal investigation; thar} many pro- ;lessors i ma gi n e.. Were. Top g intervals to occur between the periods of self- e^annnation, wq» should, indeed ex­perience, much inconvenience and per­plexity in performing the duty. We should then resemble the unskilful and lieedlessymerchant, who yielding to 'habitual* negligence and hurry, defers posting Iris books.until he is overwhelm­ed with their intricacy and magni­tude. But let the duty be daily and thoroughly performed, and wre rise to the standard of the skilful and prudent merchant who duly records every item of business; who. never closes his counting house, until his balance-sheet is made up; and who by a single re­ference, can tell the true state of his accounts, and form a correct estimate of his commercial standing.
You will find yoursetf aided in this work,, by a secret journal or diary, which must be excluded from the in­spection of all, but God and vourself.
If you are in the habit of thus dai­ly inquiring into your motives and con­duct, you will find it an excellent pre­paration
lor approaching a throne of grace. You will perceive so many failures in duty, and such frequent commission of sin, that your soul must necessarily be humbled before God.— You will also perceive whether you make any advances in knowledge and holiness, and thus discover a source of cn con rage mopt, or a stimulus to great­er diligence. Your conscience will be rendered tender and faithful; and you will thus be on the alert, that you be not fempted, or drawn aside from, your-duty. You will walk softly anriJ | ’the'thorny path, nor fed the bleeding; wounds w hich are inflicted on so I many careless and worldly minted pro­fessors.
Besides this daily process which 1 am recommending, there is one special season of self-examination, which you should by no means omit. The Apos­tle enjoins on every Christian, to ex­amine himself before he partakes ol the Lord's Supper. Let a man exam­ine himself, and so let him eat of thal bread, and drink of that clip.'5 “1 his is indispensable, to a profitable atten­dance on this interesting and signifi­cant ordinance. If you are in the habit of daily self-examination, you will find the observance of this special season, by no means difficult or labori­ous. You will have acquired, by your daily introspection,so much self-know­ledge, such a tact, if I may be allowed the expression, at seizing upon evi­dence, and analyzing feelings and mo­tives, that, instead, of proving an un­welcome task, it will constitute a satisfactory, comforting, and delightful duty. • j
The rea«on why so many complain of the difficulty of a proper discharge of this duty', is obvious. I shall, in a subsequent letter, disclose it more ful­ly.
Be assured; my young friend, that if ever you arrive at an elevated stand- art of piely, you w ill attribute it, as much to strict and persevering self-ex­amination, as to any otfn r nvans, which it i ior the want of this, that In porrby vaunts itself in the habiliments of piety. It is for the want of this That doubt-, and fears, and disquietude, and baek- -hding-, are-o prevalent. I entreat you therefore, as ) ou valu your peace and your improvement, to persevere in the faithful discharge of (iris duty. A on will he abundantly rew anh il. Faith w ill walk arm in arm w’ith the prom­ises; hope, instead oi a flickering light, will become a steady radiation from an unclouded sun; love wall grow to a flame, that •‘■many waters cannot quench;’ and z al, founded in truth, and directed by knowledge, w ill h.old on, until death, its vigorous and untir­ing career.
1 say not, that you will at once ar­rive at this loftly elevation. Ah, no, you may have many a rugged way to traverse, many a.difficult hili to climb. Nights of weeping, and days of dark­ness and of tempest may intervene.— But God will interpose in your behalf; he w ill “temper the wind to the shorn I lamb.”
Recollect, for yo-ur encouragement, j that the farther you proe« ed,the easier and the more delightful w ill he the passage. As it approximates heaven.
1 it partakes of celestial beauty., Like the fine, free -avenue to a noble met­ropolis, the proximity- of this road to the heavenly Jerusalem, opens wider, and shows clearer, and almost admits the eager eye to catch the spires of glory, as they glitter in the ligJit of heaven. Take up your ero^s, dear youth, and march forward. While you may encounter difficulties,you may al­so partake of many pleasures; pleas­ures which are as much superior to the sickly joys of earth, as the river of life is purer, than the green waters of an offensive and stagnant pool.
“The hill of Zion yields
A thousand sacred sweets;
Before we reach the heavenly fields,
Or walk the golden streets.”
To me, it has ever appeared strange, that when so much depends on the du­ty of self-examination, it should be so generally neglected.
We do not -thus act in our temporal affairs. If the claim to an estate be attended with any degree of doubt or errfbarrassment, we spare no pains to give it a thorough investigation. If the body be disordered, we are alive to every symptom, and we watch every new aspect of the disease. But in respect to the soul, we are at little pains to substantiate its hope, by actual examination. We live along, as if the matter were settled; as if we had a guarantee for our heavenly inheritance; when, in fact all is doubt and embarrassment; when, perhaps we may have only “a name to live, whilst we arc dead.”
Let this duty, my young friend, be viewed by you altogether indispen­sable. Set about it with diligence.— Should your enemy, knowing its use­fulness and importance, attempt to dis­courage you, listen not to the Voice of the tempter. Renew your labor; call upon God to fix your thoughts, and to give you success. Persevere even un­to death, in a duty so necessary to your safety, and essential to vour com­fort.— Advice to a Young Christian.
From the Christian Observer.
ANGRY PREACHING.
The late Mr. New ton, in a “Letter to a young minister,” remarks—“There is another strain of preaching which, though it wears the garb of zeal, is sel­dom a proof of any power but the pow­er of self. I mean angry and scolding preaching. The gospel is a benevo­lent scheme, and who ever speaks in the power ofit will assuredly speak in love. In the most faithful rebukes of sin, in the most solemn declarations of Godfs displeasure against it, a preach­er iriav give evidence of a disposition of good w ill and compassion to sinners, and assuredly w ill if lie speaks under the influence of the power of tmi.h.— If we can indulge invective and bitter­ness in the pulpit, we know not of what spirit we arc of; we are but gratifv ing our own evil tempers, under the pretense of a concern for the cause of God and truth. Persons of this cfiaracter may applaud their own faith­fulness and courage, and think it a great attainment that they can so ea-ily and constantly set their congre­gations at defiance; but they must not expect to b • us:fu\ so long as it remains a truth that the wrath of man vvorkeih not the rightf’ousness of God!
In the “Remains of the Rev. R.
(-ecil,” the sentiments of that eminent servant of Christ are clearly expressed on this point. “ The zeal of some inen is of a haughty, unbending, ferocious character.) They have the letter of truth, hut they mount the pulpit like prize-fighti rs. It is with them a per- lytual scold. This spirit is a reproach to theJKisped. It is not the spirit o. Jc-nn (jurist. He seems /'/ Aar-' labored to iciti men. But there is an opposite cxtri me. The love of some men i- milk and nriMncs-! There L so much delicacy, and so much fa things to all nan, that 1 mi'ght by ai means save some. Zeal alone, rna\ degenerate into ferociousness and del icaey; hut the apostle, combined both qualities; and more perfectly than oth er men, realized the union of the fur- liter in re with the suavl.r in modo.f
In another part of the work Mr. 'Cecil observes; “It is a foolish projeef to avoid giving offence; but it is our duty to avoid giving unnecessary of fence. It is necessary otTcnce if it is given by the truth; but it is unneces­sary if our own spirit occasion ir.”— ••Our system of preaching must meet mankind; they must find it possible to live in the bustle of the word, and ye| serve God—after being worried and harrassed with its concerns, let them hear cheering truths concerning Christ's love and care and pity, which will operate like an enchantment in dispelling the cares of life and calming the anxious perturbations of consci ence. Bring forward privileges and enforce duties in their proper places and proportions. Let there be no ex tremes; yet I have arrived at this con­viction; Men who lean toward the ex­treme of evangelical privilege in their ministry, do much more to the con­version of their hearers, than they do who lean toward the extreme of re­quirement. And my own experience confirms my observation. I feel my­self repelled if any thing chills, loads or urges me. This is my nature, and I sec it to be very much the nature of other men. But let me hear. Re­turn again to me saith the Lord—I am melted and subdued.
Such are the sentiments of two di­vines, to w hich I shall subjoin the tes­timony of a layman—the poet Cow­per. uNo man,” says he “was ever scolded out of his sins. The heart, corrupt as it is, and because it is so, grow s angry if it be not treated with some management and good manners, and scolds agais. A surly mastiff*will bear, perhaps to be stroked, though he will grow, even under that opera­tion; but if you touch him roughly he will bite. There is no grace that the
spirit of self can counterfeit with more success than religious zeal. A man thinks he is fighting for Christ, when he is fighting for his own notions. He thinks that he is skillfully searching the hearts of others, when he is only gratifying the malignity of his own; and charitably supposes his hearers destituteof all grace,that he may shine the more in his own eyes by compar­ison. When he has performed this noble task, he wonders that they are pot converted; “hc'hvs given it to them soundly; and if they do not trem­ble and confess that God is in him of a truth he gives them up as a repro­bate, incorrigible and lost for ever.” But a man th.it loves me, if he sees me in an error will pity me and en­deavor calmly to convince me ofit and persuade me to forsake it. If he has great and good news to tell me,he will not do it angrily, and in much heat and discomposure of spirit. It is not therefore easy to conceive on w hat ground a minister can justify aconduct which only proves t’iat he does not un­derstand his errand. The absurdity ofit would certainly strike him, if he was not himselfdeluded.”
These extracts I submit to the most serious consideration of all whom they may concern; and I trust that witli some they may have their due weight and influence in producing a concilia­tory strain of preaching, accompanied hv a conciliatory manner; a mildness and forbearance en.irely consistent with the strictest fiddity. A picture of what a clergyman ought to he, in addressing his congregation is in­cidentally drawn by the poet just quo­ted, in the person of one “for years deserving honor, but fin wisdom more.*’ “Viili a smile,
Gentle and and t'uS of zra~e.
As fearful of offending wlitm he wished
Much to persuade,lie [died lis car with trulhs,
Not harshly thundered forth nor rudely pressed. -
But, like his purpose, gracious kind and swccl.?
Task, p. vi
I add no other comment than an ear­nest exhortation to ( very minister of file gospel oip.acc—“Go, and do thou likewise.”
the comb is broken and partially re­moved from a well-stored hive, with what increased ardor do the bees ply themselves to the task of reconstruct­ing tlieir cells and storing them afresh with delicious nectar. Not a solitary tenant of these insect habitations re­mains an idle spectator of the scene before him and even they whose apart­ments have not been disturbed, lend their aid with the same alacrity,, as though they were employed on works from which they alone were to reap the advantage. . .
NN ed any thing be added to exhibit the jr/oral which this lesson from nature ! is fitted to teach? May not the des­ponding be instructed from the insect tribes, to forget their despair, and be­gin afresh to Jay a foundation for future use ? to lay it better than before—with better materials, and less subject to the casualties of flood or flame? It can­not be done at once, but “time con­quers all things,” and with diligence, and assiduity, and perseverance, won­ders, that we do not anticipate, may yet be achieved.—Chr. Obs.
GREAT RESULTS HAN ON LIT­TLE THINGS.
Two men were at work together one day in a ship-yard. J'iiey were hewing a stick of timber to j ut into a ffiip. >It was a small stick, and not worth much. As they cut off the chips, they found a worm, a little worm, a- boul halt an inch long.
“This stick is wormy,” said’ .one, “shall w e put it in ?”
“I do not know; yes, I drink it may go in. It will not he seen, of course.”
“Yes. hut there mav he other worm? in it. and these may increase and in­jure the ship.”
“No. I think not. To be sure it is not worth much; yet I do not wish to lose it. But come, never mind the worm, we have seen but one, put it i n.”
The stick was accordingly put in.— The ship was finished, and as she was launched off into the waiter, all ready for the seas, she looked beautiful as die swan w hen the breeze rutiles his white-feathered bosom as he sits on the waters. She went to *ea, and for a number of years did well. But it was found, on a distant voyage, that she grew weak and rotten. Her timbers were found al! eaten away by the worms. But the captain thought he would try to get her home. He had a great, costly load of goods in the ship, n does the Christian, who is neces­sarily much involved in worldly employment, after he has been engaged in some perplexing pursuit, and returns, it may he, fagged down with harrassing cares, for a little while to some place of retirement ; ask himself this question ; How can I keep alive a spirit of piety? The question is, perhaps, one of the most important which he can ask himself. It is one which should he deeply pondered, and which should he answered by every indi­vidual, and after a decision has been made, he should pursue the path ot duty with an undevi­ating step.
It is much easier, however, to answer the question, than it is to attain the state of living which it contemplates. With re«-ard to this, as with many otlier things, the difficulty dyes not arise so much from our ignorance as from the wicked propensities of our hearts, which arecnntinually warring against the law of our minds, and bringing us into captivity to jhe Jaw of sin, which is in our niemliers, and in asking this question, the answer may well be retutned,
erusal ot tho word of God. Here, life and immortality are brought to life: here, God reveals him­self as a God of mercy ; here, the plan of sal­vation is clearly exhibited ; here, Christian duty is pointed out; here is Ihc treasury of promises for the saints ; here, the threaten- ings of the law- arejiennunced again&t the un­holy. To be deWiiutc of this habit, is to launch out into an unexplored ocean, without chart or compass; and as well might the mariner traverse the glo’ e, and visit each port at pleasure, after he has heaved his chart .and compass to the billows,-and turned his eye away from the pole star. The Bible if the Christian’s pole star—here, is the diie.t tory to a holy life; here, is traced out the pathway to holiness and heaven ; here, arid here only, has God revealed the gnat trulhs of mail’s duties in this life, and his prospect beyond the grave. Oh! that ail might be enabled to make, tips precious volume jhermin of their counsel, and Ihe guide of all their steps.
These Ihrpe things w hich have been men­tioned, may be regarded as the most impor-‘ tant which the Christian ran attend to in at­taining a hoiy life. If these are attended to, there is little to be feared with regard to oth­er things. These purify the heart, and from the heart proceeds the characterrifour con­versation and actions. Cleanse jjie heart— the fountain—and the which, issue
forth, will be pure and healthful. We did intend to.extend our remarks 1° some tilings nrDL i ho nnnr nf nn(rncrin